Chapter 482
Evelyn studied Dominic's ravenous expression and shivered.
She nearly refused, but then caught the pleading look in his eyes.
That uniquely vulnerable gaze only a man could master.
"It's been three months, Evie. The doctor cleared us after three months. I swear I'll be gentle."
To the world, he was the ruthless Ice King. To her? A starving puppy. The contrast made Evelyn's lips twitch.
She remembered all those cold showers Dominic endured these past months. Finally, she relented.
Sliding her arms around his neck, she whispered, "Alright..."
Dominic nipped at her earlobe. "I'd never harm you or our baby."
His restraint was remarkable. Evelyn felt his desperate hunger tempered with exquisite tenderness. She floated on clouds of pleasure.
Late that night.
Moonlight spilled into the bathroom where their passion had lasted hours. When Dominic carried her back to bed, they collapsed together.
He pulled Evelyn flush against him, pressing her palm to his pounding heart. "No matter what happens, this beats only for you. Wherever I am, my heart stays with you. I love you too much to ever hurt you."
Evelyn felt the erratic rhythm beneath her fingers.
She'd been unreasonable earlier. Knowing Dominic's act was just that, she'd still thrown a fit. Guilt gnawed at her.
Noticing her expression, Dominic tapped her nose. "Hungry? I'll have supper prepared."
Now that he mentioned it... "A little." Pregnancy had amplified her appetite.
Dominic summoned the staff. Within minutes, a tray arrived. He lifted a forkful of cake. "Open up. Your favorite."
Evelyn hesitated, recalling an online article. "Maybe something lighter? Too much sugar isn't good for the baby."
Dominic arched a brow.
"That article said excess sweets cause fetal macrosomia and gestational diabetes," she explained.
Dominic chuckled. "Where do you find this nonsense?"
"The internet. I've been researching pregnancy guidelines."
He shook his head. "Consult Julian if you have concerns. This cake was specially formulated by our nutritionist. Low sugar, perfectly safe."
Touched by his thoughtfulness, Evelyn took a bite. The creamy dessert melted on her tongue, deliciously sweet yet light.
The sweetness wasn't just in the cake—her heart swelled with it. She offered Dominic a bite. "Try it."
Though he disliked sweets, her radiant smile convinced him. "Mmm. Very sweet indeed."
He meant her, of course. Thinking he referred to the cake, Evelyn agreed. "Obviously."
After she finished one slice, Dominic stopped her from taking another. "That's enough for tonight. You'll sleep better."
Evelyn obediently set down the fork, brushed her teeth, then curled against him. A soft kiss to his cheek, then she settled to sleep.
Dominic captured her lips in a searing kiss. "Evie, forgive me for earlier. Still upset? Hit me." He guided her fist toward his chest.
Evelyn pulled back, breathing in his familiar scent. "I forgave you hours ago. We shouldn't sleep angry. I overreacted—no need for apologies."
Dominic held her close, thinking, My sweetest burden.
Blackwood Manor.
Lillian arrived early, artfully made up to appear youthful and innocent.
She presented Reginald Blackwood with an antique pipe and premium tea leaves. For Beatrice, exquisite jewelry and designer handbags.
Her calculated generosity delighted them.
Reginald puffed his new pipe. "Such thoughtful gifts! You're always welcome here."
Lillian's eyes sparkled. "Your happiness is my pleasure."
Beatrice fawned over the glittering gems. "Visit more often! Dominic needs a virtuous beauty like you. What a perfect daughter-in-law you'd make!"
Masking her cunning, Lillian probed, "Aunt Beatrice, what really happened at the engagement? Why was it canceled?"
Beatrice's face darkened. "That Evelyn Sinclair humiliated us! Everything was perfect until she backed out. As if my son isn't the catch! Don't worry—if you marry Dominic, those twins will stay here. They won't bother you. And when Evelyn delivers the third baby, it'll live here too. No burdens for you."
What? Evelyn's pregnant again?
Lillian nearly bolted from her seat.